This week, a new trailer for Netflix's Devil May Cry anime unveiled that the legendary late voice actor Kevin Conroy will posthumously star in the video game adaptation. This revelation sparked curiosity about whether AI technology had been utilized to recreate Conroy's iconic voice. However, the anime's producer, Adi Shankar, swiftly dispelled these rumors.
In a tweet, Shankar confirmed that Conroy had recorded his lines before his passing in November 2022, and emphasized that "no AI was used." He praised Conroy's performance, describing it as "amazingly nuanced" and expressed the honor and pleasure of working with him.
Conroy, renowned and celebrated for his long-standing role as the voice of Bruce Wayne and Batman in numerous animated films and TV shows, takes on the role of VP Baines, a new character introduced in the Devil May Cry anime. His voice can be heard in the trailer's opening.
Johnny Yong Bosch, who voices Dante in the series and played Nero in the video games, shared his experience working with Conroy, calling him a "true legend" and noting that their recording sessions occurred a few years ago, highlighting the lengthy animation process.Back in July 2024, Conroy received acclaim for his posthumous performance in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part 3. Now, fans have another opportunity to hear his work following his untimely death at the age of 66, two-and-a-half years ago.
According to Netflix's official synopsis, the series delves into a plot where "sinister forces are at play to open the portal between the human and demon realms," with Dante, an orphaned demon-hunter-for-hire, at the center of the unfolding drama.
Adi Shankar, who also serves as the showrunner, is known for his work on the 2012 Dredd film, the acclaimed Castlevania anime, and Netflix series such as The Guardians of Justice and Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon. He is also set to executive produce an adaptation of Assassin’s Creed.
The topic of generative AI remains a hot-button issue within the video game and entertainment industries, which have faced significant layoffs in recent years. Generative AI has faced criticism from fans and creators alike due to ethical concerns, rights issues, and its struggle to produce content that resonates with audiences.
